I know many of you are shopping this weekend for last minute gifts before Christmas. I’m there right with you. In fact, I haven’t even started. However, I wanted to share with you a few stocking stuffer ideas of things I actually own and absolutely love. My friends and family will tell you that I prefer practical and functional over fashionable or trendy. If you’re shopping for someone with similar tastes, here are a few ideas to inspire you in all price ranges. [click to continue…]
Updated
[donotprint] I wish the combination of chocolate and peanut butter wasn’t so perfect together. My life would be so much easier if I were not tempted by these peanut butter kiss cookies the girls and I made the other night. You know I have a problem when I’ve eaten so many, I bake another batch while the girls are at school so I won’t be interrogated for missing cookies later when they get home. The other issue I have with these cookies is how easy it is to eat one, grab another, and before you know it, I’m caught in an addictive cycle of eating these cookies! It’s ridiculous!
-
Making these cookies are just beginning of our holiday baking. A cookie tray just isn’t complete without this classic cookie which for some reason seems to only appear around Christmas time. The girls and I love making these cookies because the dough only takes minutes to make and we always have fun pressing each Hershey’s Kiss down on each freshly baked peanut butter cookie right when they come out of the oven. The kids think I don’t know that they take a few Kisses plop them in their mouths when I’m not looking, but trust me… I know. It’s all good. [click to continue…]
Updated
Praise the Lord for the gift of mashed potatoes! Can I get an Amen?! The only thing better than mashed potatoes are mashed potatoes made with lots of butter and cream and whipped into a creamy delicious side dish which can only be described as heavenly.
Thanksgiving Day wouldn’t be complete without plenty of mashed potatoes for everyone to enjoy, especially when we all know everyone likes to go back to the serving table for seconds and thirds. I’m convinced my kids believe my mashed potatoes are the main dish and the turkey is the side. In fact, when we serve mashed potatoes family style, I often need to remind them to only take one or two scoops so everyone gets at least one serving –otherwise the only thing they would ever eat is mashed potatoes.
[click to continue…]
Updated
Our household has been quite busy lately. Last week we began hosting a high school student from Japan. Hikari is only here for one more week and you know what that means? Only one more week of preparing and serving “American” food to enrich her cross-cultural experience with us. So far we’ve been serving typical types of American comfort food including this simple but wonderful scalloped potato au gratin dish. Made with heavy cream, shredded cheese, potatoes, and a few other ingredients for seasoning, this side dish imparts love with every bite. Typically this dish is served during Holiday meals and with Easter approaching it would make a lovely addition to your Sunday dinner. But don’t feel like you have to wait for a holiday to prepare scalloped potatoes, this comforting side dish would be a great addition to any supper.
[click to continue…]
Updated
[donotprint] I am happy to share with you one of my favorite breakfast dishes, Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding. The first time I tried this was earlier in the year after discovering it SuperChef’s, Mirch Masala‘s site. She adapted the recipe from Nigella and let me tell you, it’s a keeper. This dish is indulgent in every way. Buttery croissants, heavy cream, caramel sauce, and bourbon coming together for a special bread pudding suitable for any special breakfast or brunch. Day old croissants work best and if you don’t have croissants, challah would be a great substitute. I made this croissant pudding with leftover croissants I bought in bulk at Sams Club. Use what works for you and if you prefer rum, by all means knock yourself out. And of course you can just omit any alcohol all together. [click to continue…]
Updated
